Donations

"It's selfish of me, but I wish Cassie had been around to read my books to the next generation in her special style. I'd like to think she would've enjoyed them," Webster Whelan speculated wistfully.

"You know she would've," Bridget stated, standing several feet behind him and to the side.

Standing at the podium, the children's author had reminisced about being one of those little kids who had flocked to the public library to listen to Cassandra spin her magic. But, unlike many of the enthralled children, Webb could peek behind the curtain at Cassie's performances. As Wrenn's little brother, he sometimes tagged along to the Fallon home, where he found ways to keep himself busy. Cassie often stopped to comment on his drawings or discuss the book he read to keep himself busy.

Webb also spared no credit for the impact that Cassandra's kind personality and creative energy had on his love of reading and writing. He speculated that without those old storytime readings, his career as a children's author might have never happened. Of course, there had been other influences or mentors in his life, but she had been the first to shine brightly.

"I've donated to many awesome charities since the publication of my first book. However, I've never found that one cause to draw me in. Well, it's damn fitting that the worthy cause is Cassandra's Story Society. As I mentioned previously, Nat, the Ant, or Milo & Whiskers series likely wouldn't exist without Cassie Bank--sorry, Singer. So I'm thrilled to announce that for my next book, all the proceeds will be directed to Cassandra's Story Society."

A loud ovation from the ball-goers met Webb's announcement. Not finished speaking, he threw his hands up to quiet the crowd.

"Hold on, that's not all," Webb began as the sound level dropped. "It's also fitting that, as the Banks and Whelans live in the same neighborhood, the next book will be about Milo & Whiskers' next-door neighbor, Ruffy, the Hound. This will be my first spin-off and the first time Ruffy will be the main character. I hope to have several more of his tales follow in creating this series for the CSS."

"Sweet Christmas!" Chastity squealed in shock. Then, jumping to her feet in joy, she yelled, "Yes! I love Ruffy!"

The table with Webb's sister and her friends quickly joined the honey blonde in getting to their feet and cheering at the news. The cheerleader table nearly outvoiced them, mainly due to Yumi's joyous shrieks. As for Sean, the author's gesture brought some moisture to his eyes and a vow to someday do the same if he ever became a writer.

Back on stage, his mother's tears were far more visible. And when Webb finished his final remarks, Bridget wrapped him up in a tight hug while whispering thank you repeatedly and telling him how proud Cassie would be of his career. She only broke the hug after Tinsley warned her not to scare Webster off, and because the Bank sisters wanted to join the thankful embrace.

Finally able to compose herself, Bridget made her way back to the microphone.

"And to think that little boy used to sit at my parents' dining room table with a box of crayons. Whoever would've thought Webb was practicing for his future career," Bridget recounted, wiping away additional tears. "Although his subject matter was far more adult as a kid, barely in grade school, than it is now. For those who have never heard this story, little ol' Webb used to love pulling out my dad's work pictures and coloring his own copies. It's a funny story that my mom didn't find funny back then. She once blew a gasket when she came home from work to find Dad and Webb poring over a pile of pictures. Don't ask me what they were about, but they were certainly salacious."

Most of the crowd found the story amusing. Some didn't, including Pepper Fallon, who glared at her husband. Brandy made matters worse by yelling over a question from her table.

"Murders or affairs, Dad?"

"Yes, Seamus, what was it?" Pepper challenged.

"Uh, it was just the Jenkins' affair, I think. And they were merely arriving and leaving the motel in the pictures," Seamus recalled somewhat before lowering his voice. "Or was it the Richardson burglary ****?"

Sean snickered as Uncle Garrison caught his eye and winked. On the other side of the table, Beverly backed up her mother, saying she at least turned out normal.

"After that generous donation by Honey Hollow's favorite native author, it's time to acknowledge several other founding donors to Cassandra's Story Society. Starting first, I'd like to welcome another old Oakfield Park neighbor to the stage in Elliot Ridge."

---

"Thank you, thank you," Orrin Rusk said, motioning for the ball-goers to be quiet.

At the Diamond-Pierce table, Fred glanced around with an incredulous face. While Orrin had received a healthy applause, the auto dealership owner acted as if they had erupted as he took the stage. Harvey, Graham, and Dalton didn't acknowledge Fred as they studied Orrin intently.

"As a successful business owner, I'm used to speaking in soundbites for Orrin Automotive, so I'm usually brief. However, I can't gloss over societal problems as a concerned citizen. Our leaders and teachers have continually failed our children. Yes, I hear some disagreement from you, but it's true. Rather than teach children to be solid citizens that benefit society, they indoctrinate students with negativity and their isms. Where is the pride in their community? Where is their sense of loyalty to our great Honey Hollow? How many local businesses suffer from this younger generation's need to buy what so-called celebrities 'influence' them to crave ?"

"What the hell is this?" Willow asked, turning to face the people at her table who lived in town.

"I believe Orrin has turned into a new-age populist. You know this once happened in Blackbridge in a dreadfully violent way back in--" Larry began to recount before Graham cut him off.

"He's declaring his candidacy for mayor. That's what he's doing."

"What?! Austin and Rory's dad isn't running for mayor. Mayor Dewey is great! Wait, is he running, Dad?" Whitney asked her father.

Harvey didn't answer or even flinch as Whitney repeated the question. Instead, his focus and gaze stayed locked on Orrin as the puzzle pieces discovered over the last several days slid into position.

"Fuck this!"

"Fred!"

"Uncle Fred, no!"

"I'm not going to let this fucker use Cassie's event to launch his bullshit," Fred declared, standing next to his chair. Several people turned to watch him. "My Cass deserves better."

"Get down!" Willow hissed, pulling on his arm.

"Uncle Fred, think of Finn and Aunt Cassie's family," Whitney pleaded.

"Now is not the time," Dalton stated calmly.

"Yes, be mindful of unintended consequences. Remember what happened during freshman year of college," Larry pointed out, which grabbed his old friend's attention.

"Alright, fine!" Fred snapped, sitting down.

With Harvey consumed by his staredown with Orrin, Graham quickly sent a text message to Tamsin. Immediately, his assistant looked up and nodded before slyly leaving the table and ballroom.

"And as a person willing to put his money where his mouth is, I'm here to make a donation to our children and grandchildren's future. Educating the next generation properly and patriotically is a cause every true Honey Hollowan should support," Orrin continued after his speech droned on for five minutes. "This is also personal for my family. As many of you know, my lovely wife, Miranda, was a good friend of Cassandra's. Not to mention that my talented daughter plans to volunteer as a reader. So the Rusk family is pleased to help further literacy and community with this donation of twenty-five thousand dollars."

A shocked hush came over the crowd. Then, several tables linked to Orrin's cause and ambitions shot to their feet with a standing ovation. Multiple former and current journalists, including The Buzz Bee staff, noted that these were the same tables that had given the silent treatment previously to Mayor Dunkley.

"25K? Wasn't that..." Dalton trailed off as another person approached the stage.

"Yes, that was going to be our donation and from Fiona's side," Graham confirmed as Edward Laffont walked over to join Orrin.

Sitting silently, Harvey's brain registered the newest speaker, but his thoughts were about Orrin's donation amount. Fiona had advised a sizable donation from the start, yet also not something over the top. A charity must show strong support from the beginning, but not so much that potential donors decide their money isn't as necessary. Harvey and Fiona had agreed to donate the same amount to show unity from the bitter rival families for the CSS.

Did someone leak our intended donations? Or was Orrin just lucky? Harvey pondered. Then, his eyebrows raised further as the ever impatient Eddie Laffont jumped ahead in his speech to announce his family's donation of fifteen thousand dollars.

"Fred, where are--"

"If I can't start shit with these fuckers, then I'm starting to drink. And don't try to stop me this time," Fred told Larry.

"Shouldn't we intercede?" Larry queried, looking over at Harvey as Fred closed the distance to the bar.

"At this point, let him. We held him off for this long," Graham commented after Harvey didn't reply.

"Oh, man, I just hope he doesn't cause a scene," Larry fretted.

"Let's be happy with only a single scene," Willow remarked.

"Uh-oh," Whitney muttered.

Sage met her eyes and nodded.

"Yes, Laffont was far more overt than Rusk in his intentions," Dalton agreed, pleased that the two young women picked up on it.

"Shit, what did I miss?" Graham questioned, having been distracted by Fred.

"Eddie talked about forgotten morals and corruption," Harvey said, finally speaking. At the same time, his fingers kept busy on his phone's keyboard.

"Orrin Rusk for mayor, with Edward Laffont running for district attorney. So that's another reason to drag the media to my hotel tonight," Dalton said.

"Yep," Graham agreed, reading his phone. "Tamsin confirmed that several people just introduced themselves to the reporters as campaign staffers. A public declaration of their candidacies is coming shortly in front of the Witzler."

"Hold on a fucking second!" Whitney screeched. "The guy running against Lacey's dad is working with Austin and Rory's dad?! What kind of backstabbing bullshit is that? Oh, Austin is so dead. He'd better hope that Lacey reaches him before Lana."

"They aren't the only ones furious," Willow said, nodding toward the Rusk family table. "Miranda's face is almost as red as her dress." She next motioned toward the Olesky-Laffont table. "Alexis doesn't look pleased with her brother, either."

"Yet, Cyril isn't showing any emotion as always," Dalton pointed out.

"He's got to be backing this, right?" Graham questioned.

"I wouldn't assume anything at this point. Don't forget that your father is mixed up in this somehow," Dalton reminded.

"Mr. Diamond and Cyril Olesky are like oil and water," Larry commented. "Now, stranger alliances have happened over--"

"Harvey, I believe it's your turn on stage," Dalton prodded as Orrin and Eddie left it.

"Wait, hold on, Harv," Graham said, jumping to his feet. "You're not in the proper state of mind to go up there."

"I'm perfectly fine."

"Really?' Graham replied, nodding down at Harvey's plate. A mangled fork and spoon sat on it. "Let me do this with Fiona."

"Fiona? Fiona Wynwick?! What have you been up--"

"Not now, Willow," Imogen Pierce interrupted.

"I CAN handle...," Harvey began to insist forcefully before catching himself. "Very well. You're right. I'm in no shape to go up and behave."

"Alright, I'll--"

"Wait," Harvey ordered, holding his phone for his brother to see a message with several back-and-forths. "This is the new plan."

"For real? Alright, let's--"

"I'll take that," Whitney interrupted, snatching her father's phone. Her eyes immediately widened at the screen. "That's a fitting comeback. Don't worry, Uncle Graham, I'll handle our donation announcement."

"Whitney, you already were up there, and it didn't turn out well," her uncle reminded gently.

"I'm doing this."

"Are you sure, pumpkin?" Harvey asked.

"Damn fucking sure, Dad," Whitney proclaimed, handing him his phone back. "Want to join me, Sage?"

"If I'm guessing correctly, you already have a plan. Go for it," Sage said, waving the blonde off with an amused face.

"Plan? What plan?" Harvey inquired as his daughter marched away.

Only Whitney didn't head toward the stage initially. Instead, she veered off toward a different table, where she barely slowed down while jabbing a finger at a person.

"You. Let's go," the cheerleader captain commanded, now moving toward the stage. As her dress didn't allow for a quick pace, the person she addressed had enough time to catch up when they reached the stairs. Slightly glancing over her shoulder, Whitney passed her phone back and stated, "Shut up and let me do the talking. This is about punching back."

Bridget watched the two approach with mild surprise.

"Is anyone else joining you?"

"We're representing our families, Bridget," Whitney proclaimed. Then, noticing the older blonde's concern, she added softly, "I won't break down this time."

"Alright," Bridget replied, nodding. Still, she couldn't help but embrace the teenager. "Knock their socks off."

With a determined demeanor, Whitney marched over to the podium. Her fellow representative stepped over to her left-hand side.

"Hello, Honey Hollow. You know us, but I'm going to reintroduce ourselves just for the hell of it," Whitney said. "I'm Whitney Diamond, and this is Fletcher Wynwick. Yes, those of you with hearing aids, be assured that they are working properly. And I know the Diamonds and Wynwicks have hated each other for over a century. That hate has led us to kill one another several times. Frankly, I hate Fletcher, and I sometimes want to kill him, but hey, just like Halley's Comet, we can agree on something roughly every seventy-five years."

Never one to keep silent, Fletcher followed Whitney's wishes only because of what she'd written on her phone for him to see. Still, he didn't necessarily trust her, so Fletch kept a wary eye on the blonde.

"The two of us also represent the current generation that just got character assassinated by the previous two speakers. Now, Fletcher and I are used to being trashed by jealous people. It comes with our family names. However, we're also two of Cassandra Singer's students. A little part of her exists in each of us. We're also the ones who will carry on her wishes and dreams. For us, those words are a personal insult to her memory and legacy. How dare a sleazy car salesman and an ambulance chaser insult all the wonderful teachers and school staff who represent what Mrs. Singer believed in? Also, how dare they attempt to hijack the debut of the Cassandra Story Society for their loser political prospects? Dwight Dunkley and Clive Stratton aren't to blame for whatever ails Honey Hollow or what they imagine to be an ailment. On the contrary, they're two of the reasons that Aunt Cassie's creativity is blossoming again with her former students."

Glancing over at Fletcher, she shared an imperceptible nod.

"So we're making an offer. This goes to Orrin Rusk, Edward Laffont, or anyone who agrees with them and is offended by what I just said; the CSS will gladly refund your donations. Why? Because the Diamond and Wynwick families--"

"And the Thirlby family," Fletcher cut in, earning a solid nod from Sienna.

"And the Pierce family!" Sage shouted.

"Our families will cover any funds that donors want back because these two juvenile delinquents up here said some naughty and truthful words," Whitney announced, surprising multiple parents in those named families. "Of course, if you are ill-mannered enough to ask for your donation to be returned, then shame on you. You are exactly the people in Honey Hollow dragging this great city down."

"To show that we mean business, the Diamond family and my branch of the Wynwicks are happy to announce fifty thousand dollar donations in our names to the Cassandra Story Society," Fletcher declared.

"Hey! That was my announcement!" Whitney hissed, shoving Fletcher with one hand.

"Well, I'm not standing here as your accessory," Fletcher shot back, shoving her with less ****.

"Don't touch me there, Wynwick!" Whitney shoved with two hands this time.

"It's not my fault that your tits are huge," Fletcher defended himself, reaching around to slap her hip.

"Wow, what a fabulous announcement! Let's give these two a warm hand," Bridget cheered into the microphone. Then, placing her body between the two slapping teens, she lowered her voice. "Knock it off. We still have one more speaker left."

Whitney gave a final kick with her heel at Fletcher's foot before dodging around Bridget to grab the microphone.

"And for our final speaker, let's welcome Finn Singer to the stage!"

---

"I've pretty much accepted that this night won't ever go smoothly, so I'm going to just jump into what I had planned," Finn began, garnering mild chuckles.

Still, he took a moment to shake his head as Whitney had to be pulled away from Fletcher at the bottom of the stairs.

"First off, I would like to thank each and every single one of you for coming tonight. It means the world to my family and me that so many people cared about Mom enough to spend this holiday in her memory. I would like to thank those individuals and families that made donations, even if some end up wanting them back," Finn paused a moment. "I won't apologize for what just happened on stage. Personally, I didn't care for the negative comments directed at teachers and people around my age. And if someone wants to use my mom's name for their own purposes, then you have a problem with me."

"And us!" Sanna declared, popping up from behind Finn's right side.

"Me too!" Serinda added.

"I said for us," Sanna hissed.

"I'm older than you," Serinda responded.

"And from my cousins," Finn said, ending their bickering. "While I might not be very close to Whitney Diamond, I see her father, Harvey, as my uncle, so that surrogate cousin also agrees with us. And another in Polly Gettinger," Finn added, noticing shy Polly raise her hand.

Sybil beamed at her wallflower daughter's surprising willingness to support the others publicly. She even shed a tear as her brother's mother-in-law reached over to grab Polly's hand.

"I also would like to thank Webster Whelan for such a gracious offer. Webb epitomizes every aspect of creativity that Mom wished to inspire in others. Along with his closest friends, Sebastian Ferrin and Erin Chantry, Webb helped inspire and mentor my interests in literature and journalism. My days at The Buzzy Bee were always about living up to the standards they set. Yet, they were also influenced by school reporters such as Elliot Ridge and Kirk Langley, co-staff members of my mom's during their high school days. I think you can all see a pattern developing. I hope that my mom's legacy and Cassandra's Story Society will be about developing and nurturing similar waves of creativity and mentors."

Several cheers rang out for the individuals that Finn named.

"As my cousins recounted earlier," Finn said, motioning to the Banks sisters. "Many of my favorite and most precious memories are of Mom's storytime readings. To me, recapturing the spirit of those readings was mandatory for any program or group in my mother's name. So thank you to Rory, Lux, Jessalyn, Doris, and all the others who have already volunteered. I simply can't wait to watch kids experience what so many of us did in the past. And as for complaints about not enough guys volunteering, I have a few necks in mind to wring for readers."

Barney nearly fell off his seat when Finn's eyes landed on him. As for Sean, he begrudgingly agreed with Peyton's statement that he had to know it was coming. Furthest away from the stage, Eoin groaned as Finn craned his neck to make eye contact. Sitting next to him, Auggie mentioned to his tablemates that he'd gladly help.

"Now, while storytime readings reflect my mom's creativity, I'm equally thrilled at the opportunity to show off my imagination. That's why I'm delighted to partner with Sean Tarver to create contests and scavenger hunts based on what participants have read. Mom would love those, as she would for the mystery adventure that we're planning together. Mom and Sean had a bond I hope to see carry over someday when my friends and I have children."

Finn had to pause to gather his emotions as Bridget couldn't see from where she stood behind him.

"This...This has been a tough week for me. In some ways, I'd rather have just treated it as another year than deal with the pain that this event has brought back. Yet, that wouldn't be fair to Mom or all the people who love her. So, I've learned to accept the pain. To stomach those awful memories of being trapped in the car with her, not understanding that those were our final moments together. And I've learned to endure the nightmares coming back temporarily."

Peyton and Lana simultaneously swung their heads around to find each other at Finn's mention of those nightmares. Both shook their heads as they hadn't known.

"It grew even tougher as winter almost claimed two more people I care about," Finn continued, wiping his eye. "However, that scare brought further clarity. I know many people look at me with pity. They see a son left motherless who also has a father who's struggled mightily to deal with his wife's ****. Survivors' guilt is nothing to sneeze at. My dad still struggles with it. I would've, too, if two girls hadn't convinced me that things would be worse if I had died in that car instead of my mom, like I kept wishing had happened. Realizing that while Mom might be alive, she'd also be broken at my **** is what spurred me into living again."

Several loud sobs echoed around the ballroom.

"To those who see me that way? Don't. I'm not alone and don't need your pity. My mom left me behind with a huge extended family. I have more honorary aunts and uncles than I can count. Her two best friends, Bridget and Tinsley, gave me one of my best friends, Peyton, and a fierce protector, Nate. They also gave me a little brother in Sean and a pair of twin terrors, who I'm thankful that they live in the middle of an ocean."

Tinsley led the crying laughter that followed. She also warned Finn that he had better hide when the twins hear that comment.

"Don't you get it, Aunt Tin? I love foiling their traps," Finn revealed.

"Now you really asked for it," Bridget pointed out.

"My grandparents are two of the most wonderful and loving people I know. However, I don't think they knew how to handle a heartbroken eleven-year-old. But my mom also took care of that by having another incredible friend in Rachel Stratton, who has become a second mother to me. Rachel and Clive took me into their home whenever I wanted. They set aside a room in their home for me to consider my own. They provided the support, advice, and love that I needed and gifted me with two beautiful girls, both inside and out, to grow up with. I found the matching set with Sean in Lacey, as she's my little sister. And when I paired up with Peyton, I found my other best friend. For those that don't know this, it was Peyton and Lana that brought me back from despair."

While Peyton held it together, Lana and Lacey sobbed into each other's arms. Rachel mimicked her daughters as she fell into Clive's arms.

"Those people aren't the only ones who helped heal or have been there for me. Honestly, there are too many to name. Yet, I want to point out two of my other friends. Barney, you've also been there for me, listening without judgment to my life and all its problems. Eoin, you might drive me nuts at times, but I also know how often you've gone out of your way to cheer up a kid that's often uncheerable. So, to both of you, thank you."

Sitting with most of the Bank family, Barney got multiple kisses on his cheeks for being there for Finn. Utterly embarrassed, Barney should've been thankful for not sitting at the table with Eoin and their friends from Zurbrugg College. For the girls teased Eoin mercilessly. Guests at other tables blushed as Kiki and AJ swore that they thought Eoin merely wanted to fuck, but now they realized that he only wanted to cheer them up. When Priscilla, Merritt, and Harper joined the teasing, Eoin finally yelled at them to shut up.

"See, Aunt Bridget, my friends can act almost as crazy as my mom's," Finn pointed out.

"Honey, don't I know it," Bridget replied, thinking about Lana's exploits in particular.

"Finally, Mom often gets labeled as the party-pooper among her old clique. Now, I know I've heard stories that say otherwise — stories I never needed to hear — but I can understand how people see things. Fortunately, I only have one super-crazy best friend, Lana, but people like Eoin, Poppy, Steph, and Kiki are often around. On the other hand, my mom had TWO in Bridget and Tinsley. Plus, it's not like those other cheerleaders were party lightweights. Basically, Mom would want you to have fun at her party and make new memories. Happy New Year!"